Head of Programmes (HoP) At Danish Refugee Council

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Position title: Head of Programmes (HoP)

Technical supervision: Principal Program Advisor (PPA)

Hierarchical line: Country Director (CD)

Duty station: Niamey – Niger

Area of ​​operation: Niger (country)

Period considered: 12 months (potentially renewable)

Preferred start date: As soon as possible

Contract type: National – International

Job classification, salary and benefits: Management E, level 1 – mentored position

General objective of the position

The Head of Programs (HoP) is responsible for developing and, in collaboration with the Area Managers, implementing DRC’s programming strategy in Niger. They are responsible for sector coordination, as well as quality and accountability in the implementation of DRC’s programmatic activities in Niger. They lead the development of proposals and donor reports on programs and support the Country Director (DP) in donor engagement. The position reports to the DP and is part of the Senior Management Team (SMT).

1. Responsibilities:

Program development and project management

  • Develop and implement the program strategy and identify opportunities for new projects
  • Manage context assessments and analyses for emergency or long-term programs in existing project implementation areas or new areas
  • Lead the planning and development of conceptual documents, budgets, and project proposals in collaboration with other members of the SMT
  • Establish strong and effective partnerships with organizations, donors, and authorities, in accordance with the Niger program strategy and DRC’s partnership management policy.
  • Support the zone chiefs of Agadez, Diffa, and Tillabéri for the effective, efficient, and timely implementation of all DRC projects in accordance with agreed contracts, budgets, policies, and specific donor requirements.
  • Manage the Project Managers of national projects, and ensure the effective, efficient and timely implementation of these projects in accordance with agreed contracts, budgets and policies and specific donor requirements
  • Ensure that relevant data on beneficiaries and activities are collected, compiled, analyzed and used, and that relevant evaluations are carried out in the project area
  • To ensure accurate and timely narrative and financial reporting to donors…

Quality and accountability of programs

  • Supervise and support the continuous improvement of program quality standards, including application and harmonization across field bases
  • Ensure that DRC’s values ​​and code of conduct are respected and maintained, and ensure that complaint mechanisms are appropriate and functional.
  • Evaluate and improve program accountability measures in accordance with DRC’s overall commitments to basic humanitarian standards
  • Supervise the PDQM (MEAL, Grants and Partnership) team, ensuring that all DRC projects in Niger implement high-quality monitoring, evaluation and learning across all projects, including that learning is captured, capitalized and used in program design and implementation.
  • Support the grants team in the timely submission of high-quality reports to donors.

Personnel management

  • Lead and manage the country program technical team staff (including staff planning, performance, well-being and development)
  • Support and supervise, in collaboration with the DP and area managers, the program team staff in the field

External Relations

  • Increase the visibility and credibility of DRC’s program in Niger and maintain close relationships with all stakeholders, including donors
  • To ensure effective coordination and visibility of project implementation with all humanitarian and development actors
  • Participate in workshops and other meetings organized by DRC at the regional and global levels…

Others

  • Provide contributions to the implementation of DRC’s strategy in Niger in collaboration with other SMT members
  • Provide regular internal and external reports and other relevant information on program activities, general policy issues and external relations
  • Ensure that program teams comply with DRC administrative guidelines and policies, including security procedures, logistical support, and other tasks associated with effective day-to-day management.
  • Strengthen compliance with DRC’s own standards and norms, as well as industry standards (CHS, SPHERE, etc.)
  • Other tasks agreed upon with the DP

2. Experience and technical skills:

  • At least seven (7) years of experience in emergency program management, preferably with refugees and/or displaced persons, including five (5) years of experience in program management in at least one of DRC’s key sectors in Niger (Protection, RRM, food security or Humanitarian Law and Peacebuilding)
  • At least five (5) years in personnel management and development
  • Proven leadership skills at the SMT level
  • Personnel management skills
  • Experience in proposal development, budget preparation, program implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
  • Experience in effective coordination with national partners, local/governmental authorities, partner NGOs, donors, and other relevant stakeholders

Desired experience and technical skills:

  • Professional experience in the Sahelian context

3. Required qualifications

Relevant university degree (e.g., political science, international development, economics), or similar studies relevant to the position.

Languages:

  • French (excellent command)
  • English (fully fluent)

4. Required skills and qualities

In this role, you will need to demonstrate the five core competencies of the DRC, namely:

    • Striving for excellence: you focus on achieving results while ensuring an efficient process. You strive to produce accurate, thorough, and professional work with optimal use of time and effort.
      • Collaborating: You cooperate with and involve relevant stakeholders, actively seeking their opinions and sharing key information with them. You support and trust others, while encouraging feedback.
      • Taking the reins: You take responsibility and prioritize your work in line with DRC’s overall vision and objectives. You take initiative when faced with a challenge or opportunity and seek innovative solutions.
      • Communication: You write and speak effectively and honestly, adapting your style and tone to the situation. You actively listen to others and involve them in the dialogue.
      • Demonstrate integrity: You respect and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values ​​and code of conduct, including protection against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

5. General Regulations

  • The employee must follow DRC instructions regarding security, confidentiality, and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Responsibility Framework
  • The employee must not engage in any other paid activity during the term of their contract with the DRC without receiving prior authorization to do so.
  • The employee must not engage in any activity that could harm the DRC or the implementation of any project during the term of the contract with the DRC.
  • The employee must not give interviews to the media or publish photos or other project-related materials without prior authorization.
  • The employee must return all equipment borrowed for the project to the DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request.

How to apply

6. Application Process

Please apply via the following link: https://candidate.hr-manager.net/ApplicationInit.aspx?cid=1036&ProjectId=176033&DepartmentId=19078&MediaId=5

Applications can only be submitted online, via the website indicated above. You must upload your CV (maximum 3 pages) and a cover letter. Both the CV and cover letter must be in French.

Applications submitted by post, email or physical delivery will not be considered.

DRC provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, skin color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability. DRC does not discriminate in its recruitment processes. However, DRC cannot recruit a national of the country of assignment (Republic of Niger) under an expatriate contract.

For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit the organization’s website at drc.ngo

Applications will close on June 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM GMT. However, the DRC may begin the recruitment process before the end of the posting period if a candidate meets the job requirements.